I’ve written plenty of painting tutorials, made process videos, and answered many questions directly while painting live on Ustream broadcasts. Am I afraid of giving away too many secrets? Do I worry about helping my competition too much? I’ve seriously considered these questions, and I have to say, no.

Let me tell you why…

Artists are not Apple.

In my opinion, there is no such thing as trade secrets in art, and no good reason artists need to shut themselves up and lock their process away like a large corporation. The only “secret” to getting top-notch artwork is doing 1000’s of hours of drawing and painting. It is NOT – though many artists and bystanders might think so – the media, technique, or software.

Tools and techniques are only so good as the artist that uses them. For this reason, I do not think that teaching people how I paint is in any way teaching people how to paint like me. In order to do that, you need my talent and ability, and you can’t steal that by watching a video or reading a tutorial.

Magic? What magic?

I also don’t think that a certain technique or medium is ever really THAT important to making great art. An image isn’t great because it is painted in oils or inked with a crowquill or colored in Photoshop. Great images are made through drawing skills, color theory, composition, and concept.

Sure, certain styles and looks are easier to accomplish with one medium over another, but don’t mistake these techniques and styles for magic tricks to creating great art. Besides, a certain style can almost always be accomplished in a variety of different ways.

Copycats Schmoppycats

Another concern that artists bring up when talking about sharing techniques is having other artists copy their style. Here’s what I think about that:

Artists who want to copy another artist’s work are definitely unethical, but will likely find a way to do it whether they know the original technique or not. Like I said earlier, many styles can be accomplished in many different ways.

Most artists who deliberately copy another artist’s work will end up with work that is inferior to the original since they are not contributing anything innovative and don’t have enough skill to really accomplish a good copy (plus they likely won’t have enough brains to get very far).

Remember, technique and style is not the secret to a good illustrator. There are a gagillion artists and many of them have similar styles. What makes the best stand out? Skill and brains. Believe me, your potential clients, if they are worth having, will see that.

If you DO happen to encounter a copycat artist that can copy your style well and well enough to steal good clients from you, you probably belong in one of two scenarios:

1) Your style really wasn’t that original anyway. In that case shame on your for not seeking to be innovative, original, or creative. Or,

2) Your style is most definitely original and has some very real ($$$) value and the slimy, unethical copycat knows it. In that case, shame shame on them, but many times this is unavoidable as there will always be creeps out there who will take advantage of you. The good news is, you probably won’t have any trouble taking them to court.

The Benefits of Sharing

Lastly, I have no problem sharing my process with other artists because it has downright helped me so much in my career, that I wouldn’t dream of doing otherwise.

This blog, where I have shared so many tutorials, videos, broadcasts, and articles, is my main networking tool. Artists, buyers, and students alike are coming to me from all over the world; besides the initial writing of the blog posts, I barely have to lift a finger. The majority of the illustrators who help, inspire, and chat with me every day would not even know my name if they hadn’t found me in a Google search first.

And the benefits go both ways – I am constantly being inspired and helped by other artists who email me, comment on my site, and chat with me throughout the day. I find that when I am open and sharing with others, they in turn like to be open and sharing with me, and I have been able to learn so much as a result.

My various projects have also gotten me good publicity through interviews, blog features, and speaking opportunities. And by sharing what I know, I have grown significantly more confidant in my knowledge of art, the illustration industry, and marketing. Now, I’m honored that so many of you turn to me for advice in these areas.

In short, more and more people are getting to know me and my work and I’ve been more successful in my business simply because I decided to share. And so I keep sharing.

Related posts:

• Ustream Return
• Watch Me Draw LIVE!

I will add the images to this post as I complete them. Visit the site throughout the month or watch the live broadcast to see the artwork as it is being created.

Each piece will be painted with gouache on bristol, measuring 2.5″x3.5″ in size.

Ustream Fun!

As part of the festivities, I will be giving away a monster doodle every Friday. All you have to do to qualify is show up and login to the chat room with your Ustream account. One user will be chosen randomly at the end of the show. See the Dani Draws LIVE page for rules and info about Ustream giveaways and deals.

Buy Monster Art

The finished monster art will be made available for sale for $20 each. Please visit the store if you would like to purchase one. I will also make the links available here as I post each image.

Because this is a personal project I am doing for my own fun and goals, I will be painting subjects of my own choosing. However, I’ve decided to open up a week’s worth of painting for requests if any of you would enjoy a custom commission.

UPDATE: All custom monster commission slots have been taken! Thank you to those who ordered.

Commissioned pieces will be painted on the Ustream show during the week of October 19-23. Episodes will be recorded in case you miss the live show.

Here’s the artwork:

“Spike” from Buffy the Vampire Slayer
SOLD

“Drusilla” from Buffy the Vampire Slayer
SOLD

“Pan” from Pan’s Labyrinth
SOLD

“Frankenstein”
BUY

“The Borg Queen” from Star Trek
BUY

“Wild Thing” from Where the Wild Things Are
SOLD

“Other Mother” from Coraline
SOLD

“Jack Skellington” from The Nightmare Before Christmas
BUY

“The Wicked Witch of the West” from The Wizard of Oz
BUY

“Flying Monkey” from The Wizard of Oz
BUY

“Headless Horseman”
SOLD

“Evil Lunch Lady”
SOLD

“Angel of Death” from Hellboy 2
SOLD

“Robot Santa” from Futurama
SOLD

“Sweet” from Buffy the Vampire Slayer
SOLD

“Bride of Frankenstein”
SOLD

“Wednesday Addams” from The Addams Family
BUY

“Davy Jones” from Pirates of the Caribbean
BUY

“White Witch” from The Chronicles of Narnia
BUY

“Lord Voldemort” from Harry Potter
BUY

Related posts:

• You’re Invited: Special Ustream Broadcast Event
• Ustream Return
• Modify

UPDATE: The winners for 2009’s Pumpkin Junkin’ Contest have been announced! Thanks to those who participated. Check out the winners and other awesome entries here.

Artist Holli Conger has asked me to help judge her fabulous annual pumpkin decorating contest this year. Entries are being posted starting today! The contest is open to everyone of all ages and experience.

The contest is simple: Take any pumpkin, gather a bunch of junk, then stick it on your pumpkin in any decorative fashion you can think of. The concept is inspired by Holli’s found object style of illustration. Check out some of her great work at junkadoodles.com.

The entries will be divided into two categories, “big kids” and “little kids”. A winner and runner-up will be chosen from each. You have the entire month of October to junk your pumpkin.

For more info and how to enter, visit the Pumpkin Junkin’ website at pumpkinjunkin.com.

Also, you can keep track of news and updates on Twitter and Facebook.

Now, let’s see those pumpkins!

Related posts:

• NESCBWI 2009

Video: Pirate Frog (Quicktime, 2:48, 8.46 MB)

Created with ballpoint pen and watercolor. You can buy the original artwork in my store.

This is a good example of the kinds of sketches I make on my Ustream broadcast. The show broadcasts every weekday. Stop by and chat!

YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67epBJKD6V8

Related posts:

• Video #18: Hockey Chicken
• Ustream Return
• Ustream Update: Free Giveaways and Sketch Discounts

Since I’ve started broadcasting on Ustream, I’ve received quite a few questions regarding software, hardware, and how-to of a Ustream show. If you are an artist and are curious about joining the live stream scene, here’s a quick overview of my own setup and techniques.

I hope this helps! I would love to see lots more of you start your own shows. Paste a link in the comments if you do. And let me know if you have additional questions.

What is Ustream?

Ustream is a web service that allows you to easily stream live video over the internet. The site has been used to stream a variety of content such as news broadcasts, concerts, podcasts, or sporting events. In my case, I draw and paint.

How do you set up a Ustream account? Does it cost anything?

Go to Ustream.tv and click “Sign Up” at the top of the page. Fill in the info, and you’re done! All you need is an email address. It’s all free. You will need to create an account in order to create a show or chat in the chat rooms.

How do you start a Ustream show?

Once you have a Ustream account, click on the “Create a Show” link in your dashboard. Come up with a cool name, and you’re set to broadcast.

Why do you Ustream?

I stream mostly for the company (all of you!) and to help me stay on task every day (it really helps to know you are being watched while you work!).

Originally, the Ustream channel was more of an extension of my video podcast. Over time, I found the live format to be quite different and enjoyable. While most episodes are recorded, I highly encourage you to come and watch the show live when you can. The experience is different than the podcasts – much slower-paced and improvisational – plus the interactive quality is pretty cool. I love chatting with you all.

Where do you set your camera?

My webcam sits right in front of me on the desk while I work. If the painting I am working on is bigger in size, I have to prop the camera up higher on a pile of books or something, and set it off to the side, in order to fit the whole piece of art in view. But I like the up-close-and-personal look, so I try to keep my sketches pretty small so you can see them.

What kind of webcam do you use?

A Logitech QuickCam E 3500. Found it at Wal-Mart for $30 or so.

What kind of headset do you have?

A Logitech ClearChat Comfort USB. If you’re on a Mac, you have to get a USB mic of some kind.

How do you broadcast your computer screen?

You have to use a piece of software called CamTwist. Open the program and select Desktop under your Video Sources. When you open Ustream to broadcast, you would then select CamTwist as your video source. More about CamTwist.

Technically, you don’t need CamTwist if you are not broadcasting your desktop and are just working with a webcam. However, CamTwist can also be used to put various effects onto your webcam video. For example, I also use it to put the image overlay of my web address onto my stream.

How do you broadcast?

First, plug in your camera and headset (and open CamTwist if you are broadcasting your desktop). Then go to Ustream, log in, and click the Broadcast Now button. Select your video and audio sources, then hit the Start Broadcast button.

For further technical questions, I highly recommend reading through Ustream’s help center. They cover a lot of common issues.

Does Ustream slow down Photoshop/Illustrator when you are broadcasting?

Yes, a little bit. My computer can handle it well enough though. If you experience troubles, you may have to lower your video/audio quality settings in the Ustream broadcast window.

What are your favorite Ustream shows?

Here are a few:

Otis Frampton Live – A comics guy. Works both digitally and traditionally with marker and the occasional watercolor.

Chris Oatley – A highly motivated and inspirational guy who works in comics and animation development. He doesn’t broadcast too often, but when he does it’s swell. And you must subscribe to his podcast.

Melissa Findley – A fantasy artist who works mostly in Painter. She is very good at discussing her work and taking questions as she is painting.

Stephen Silver – Relatively new to Ustream, but I’m excited to see where his show goes. He is a highly motivational artist and character design pro.

Bobby Chiu – Also pretty new to Ustream, but I’ve been following his work for a while. This guy’s a digital painting genius and dispenses great advice left and right. Keep a look out for his broadcasts.

You can also go to my profile on Ustream at ustream.tv/danidraws, and click on “Following” to see more folks I am bookmarking on Ustream.

What is that brush/pen/paper you use on your broadcasts?

I have a full blog post on the subject. Links and pictures galore here!

Where can I view your previously recorded broadcasts?

You have to go to the Ustream site. Go to my profile page at ustream.tv/danidraws and click on “Archived Videos”.

Are there other live streaming sites besides Ustream?

Sure. I haven’t used any of them, so I can’t vouch for them, but here are a few I’ve heard about: Stickam, Justin.tv, livestream.com, Qik

Any tips for artists who want to start their own live stream?

• Have a regular schedule. It makes it easier for the audience to find you and get established. At the very least, have a Twitter account or something that helps keep people up to date about your broadcasts.

• Use sound. Some artists like to broadcast without talking. I have found it a lot easier, and better for the audience, if you do. It’s scary at first, but I encourage you to try it.

• Watch other Ustreaming artists. See what you like or don’t like. Interact with other artists and publicize your own show if appropriate.

Related posts:

• Ustream Return
• You’re Invited: Special Ustream Broadcast Event
• Ustream Update: Free Giveaways and Sketch Discounts

Here’s a painting for Illustration Friday for the theme “Welcome”. I thought, what is more welcoming than pie? Nothing!

UPDATE: This illustration is now available as a print in my store.

Here is some of the process behind the illustration. The entire painting from sketch to finish was done in Photoshop.

The sketch:

And some basic color:

Plus, this entire painting was filmed in front of a live Ustream audience.

Sketch and Basic Color

Texture and Final Painting

Related posts:

• Modify
• Photoshop: Textures and Brushes
• Impatience

I recently dedicated a couple Ustream shows to Photoshop brushes and textures. I love to take questions and chat during my shows, but these two episodes are the only broadcasts where I set out to actually teach specific lessons. So, I am putting them here in a blog post so they are easy to find and access.

Forgive my mumbling and bumbling; I don’t speak as well as I write. But these live shows were great because the viewers asked some really good questions that I wouldn’t have been able to think of on my own. I hope you find them extra informative to the stuff I’ve already posted here on the blog.

If you have a question or suggestion for a future Ustream lesson, go ahead and send me a note. I will post any plans for special broadcasts on the Dani Draws Live page (or you can keep track of me on Twitter). Please stop by next time and have your questions ready!

Texture Demo

Photoshop Brush Demo

Also, here is a list of tutorials that outline many of the concepts I try to explain in the Ustream videos.

• Texture: How to Make Better Art with Jelly Beans
• Make Your Own Photoshop Brushes
• Not Your Typical Round Brush
• Which Brushes Do I Use Most Often?
• Five Ways to Create Textures Completely in Photoshop

Related posts:

• Ustream Return
• Picking Colors in Photoshop
• You’re Invited: Special Ustream Broadcast Event

Darren Di Lieto, the guy behind the illustration news portal the Little Chimp Society and the portfolio site Hire An Illustrator! is currently running a project called Mail Me Art. In it, artists around the world draw and paint original art on envelopes or packages, and then send them directly to Darren through the mail. The image above is my contribution for it. It was drawn with ballpoint pen, watercolor, and white gesso on a 6″x9″ yellow envelope.

This is actually Darren’s second go-around for Mail Me Art. In its first year, the project resulted in the publication of the book Mail Me Art: Going Postal with the World’s Best Illustrators and Designers and an exhibition, held in London.

Mail Me Art Two is still looking for submissions. If you are an artist, check it out. It is tons of fun. For more info, visit mailmeart.com.

I drew my mail art during a live Ustream. Here is the recorded video if you would like to see the making of the art.

Related posts:

• 2008 Year-in-Review
• Hire An Illustrator!
• NESCBWI 2009

UPDATE: This promotion is now over. Thanks to everyone who made purchases. Enjoy the doodles! For those who did not get a chance to receive one, you can now purchase the set as a print for only $6 in the store.

From now until the end of August, if you purchase anything from my store you will receive one of these mini doodles for free.

Each mini doodle is 2.5″x3.5″ (about half the size of my standard doodles) and are drawn with ballpoint pen and watercolor on bristol.

Guidelines:

• To receive a free mini, just make an order anytime from August 17, 2009 – August 31, 2009.
• Limit one mini doodle per order.
• If you happen to want one of the specific sketches shown above, please let me know by sending a note along with the order, or emailing me immediately after ordering, and I’ll be glad to accommodate you. First come, first served. Otherwise, I will just choose/draw a random sketch.

To get started, take a visit to my store page: http://store.danidraws.com/

Related posts:

• Ustream Update: Free Giveaways and Sketch Discounts
• New Home for Daily Doodles
• Daily Doodles – Weeks 9 & 10

Here is an Illustration Friday entry for the theme “Impatience”. I decided to play around with watercolor instead of my usual digital painting.

The original painting is available for sale in my store.

You can also view the making of this painting on Ustream.

Related posts:

• Welcome
• Modify
• Harry Potter Creatures